how to control the speed of random characters with repaint method

[dksellou]

I have a question: I made a program which generates random characters with different font sizes and colors...

The program works fine but the characters appear and disappear very fast. Is there a way to control the speed with which the characters appear?
I used repaint() to update the screen and draw the next character..
Please advise...

Thanks

[Fubarable]

You forgot to post your code attempt:

import java.awt.*;
import java.awt.event.*;
import javax.swing.*;

public class RandomCharacters extends JPanel {

  public void paintComponent( Graphics g ){
    super.paintComponent( g );

    int fontSize = ( int ) ( Math.random() * 200 );
    int x = ( int ) ( Math.random() * 1000 );
    int y = ( int ) ( 300 + Math.random() * 1000 );
    char characters[] = { 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D', 'E', 'F', 'G', 'H', 'I', 'J', 
        'K', 'L', 'M', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'Q', 'R',
        'S', 'T', 'U', 'V', 'W', 'X', 'Y', 'Z' };

    //Create a Font object and set the font to serif plain	
    Font font = new Font( "Serif", Font.PLAIN, fontSize );

    //call methods to set the color, the font and draw the characters on screen
    g.setColor( new Color( ( float ) Math.random(),
    ( float ) Math.random(), ( float ) Math.random() ) );
    g.setFont( font );
    g.drawChars( characters, ( int ) ( Math.random() * 26 ), 1, x, y );

    repaint();
  }
}

First off, never call repaint() from within paint or paintComponent.

Next off, I think that you may be looking to use a Swing Timer to allow you to do a simple animation with Swing.

[dksellou]

I didn't forget to add the code..I just didn't want to post it for integrity reasons.
Why shouldn't I use repaint inside a paintcomponent?
Thanks

[Fubarable]

I didn't forget to add the code..I just didn't want to post it for integrity reasons.
Why shouldn't I use repaint inside a paintcomponent?
Thanks

Because paintComponent and paint are for painting only and should not be used for animation as you're trying or for program logic. You do not have control over when or if that method gets called. Just please believe me and don't do this.

[dksellou]

Thanks
please help me with the Timer ....I am all day in front of a java program today! It is not part of the assignment (deitel 15.10) so it is not about doing the homework for me...just curious!
Thanks

[Fubarable]

please help me with the Timer ....I am all day in front of a java program today! It is not part of the assignment (deitel 15.10) so it is not about doing the homework for me...just curious!

No problem, I'd be happy to help you to better understand use of Swing Timer. Just have a look at the Swing Timer Tutorial as it will show you pretty much all that you need to know with sample code as well. Then after studying the tutorial, give it a go in your own code. If you still are stuck, then please feel free to come back here, post your new code and you're questions, and we'll be more than happy and better able to give you specific help.

[dksellou]

I cannot figure out...
I know I have to use this code..
timer = new Timer(speed, this);
timer.setInitialDelay(pause);
timer.start();

but what about the inner class?
Do I have to change my whole code?
I am so confused...

[Fubarable]

Yes you have to change the code. You should not use this for your Timer's ActionListener but rather simply create an anonymous inner class:

timer = new Timer(speed, new ActionListener() {
   public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent aEvt) {
      // your code goes in here
   }
});

But better to experiment with Swing Timers in small sample programs before trying to put it into your main program. Get used to using them first.

[dksellou]

I will do.
Thanks for your quick response and help.
:)